How many times have you run out of battery right in the middle of texting or calling someone? Far too often, Right! Phone manufacturers have spent millions of dollars developing phones that have longer-lasting batteries or charge faster.
But even the best phones eventually run out of power which can often leave you frustrated or even worse stranded.
Well, fear not as there is a solution. Portable Solar Phone Chargers are the answer. When these devices were first invented and released to the public for sale their price was astronomical.
These days you can buy top-quality portable solar phone chargers for under $40.
There are a number of factors to consider when buying a solar phone charger which we will cover in this article. Factors like power, size and type of charger will come into play when you’re choosing a solar phone charger. Not to mention the price.
Ensuring the charger fits your needs is the most important aspect of choosing the right solar charger. After all, there’s no point saving a few dollars if the charger isn’t really what you need and does not fit the bill.
But first, let us take a look at the Top 10 Solar Phone Chargers and work out which one will suit your needs best.
Contents
10. Leo Way – 20000mAh
The Leo Way solar power banks will stand up to tough weather conditions and a good amount of abuse. IPX5 waterproof resistant means that this pack will cope with exposure to heavy dust and rainstorms. And the soft silicone surround helps the pack to absorb impact.
Charging is done via the USB-C port or solar panel. There is also a solar panel on the back panel of this station. Though, the built-in solar panel will take 90 hours to charge the battery. All this power has overcharging and overload protection.
There are also wireless Qi and USB type-C sockets, which function as both outputs to compatible devices and as an input to charge the station. In total, there are 4-output sockets, protected by a single waterproof cover.
A micro-USB and two USB sockets rated at 18 watts each. And there is a hook for tying these solar power banks to a backpack.
- Starting 18 W – Continuous 18 W
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery.
- Capacity: 20 Ah.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 20 hours.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 1.03 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year.
- Built-in solar panel to help keep the battery topped up.
- Soft silicone protection.
- Built-in spotlight.
- Low price
- The built-in compass is basic
- The one USB-C socket is unusable when charging.
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9. AMZGO Solar Charger 26800mAh
There are two more powerful LEDs at the narrow end of the station that gives a more directional light.
This model is IPX1 splash-proof and not sealed enough to be exposed to heavy rainfall. But it is shockproof and built into a strong case with a lanyard to hook to a belt or backpack. There are two USB sockets and one USB-C socket, which can also charge the station.
By using a fast charger, it is possible to recharge the 28 Ah lithium-ion battery in under 8 hours from flat. The reverse side of the pack has an efficient solar panel, rated to supply up to 0.3 Ah of power.
- Starting 18 W – Continuous 18 W
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery.
- Capacity: 26.8 Ah
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 26 hours.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 1.35 lb.
- Warranty: 1-Year.
Pros
- Fast and efficient built-in solar panel.
- Powerful bank of LEDs
- Large capacity Lithium-ion battery.
Cons
- Two USB sockets for charging and no more.
- Low on protection from the elements and accidental drops.
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8. iQ Solar Charger – 20000mAh
You can charge the iQ Solar Charger up to 4 items at once on this 20 Ah station. There are two USB ports rated at 3 amps each, of large smart devices. And a USB-C socket that behaves as both a charger and as a point to recharge the pack. The back panel will charge wireless Qi-compatible devices of up to a 5-watt draw.
The case is sleek, robust, and a rubber cover for the charging sockets helps to keep it in good working order. An IP54 rating means that you can walk around with this station tied through the lanyard to a backpack in a storm without issue.
On the back of the station is a row of LEDs to show the battery charge remaining. And at the narrow end of the pack are a bank of powerful LEDs that can function as a spotlight, flash, or behave as an SOS.
- Starting 18 W – Continuous 18 W.
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery.
- Capacity: 20 Ah.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 20 hours.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 0.95 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year.
Pros
- A power indicator on the back.
- Good protection from the elements with IP54
- Powerful spotlight for illuminating a tent or drawing away mosquitoes.
- Strong case
Cons
- It could do with one more power socket.
- The wireless Qi charge is low power.
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7. Anker 21W Dual Solar Charger
The panel is sewn to a canvas material, which gives it some flexibility. The panel is in 3 connected sections, with a fourth section used as a pocket for the power converter.
The panel will fold down for storage or can be strapped to the back of your pack to charge your electronics while on the move. At peak performance, this panel will put out 2.1 amps of power, which is more than enough for many smartphones.
And this panel can charge a separate power station through one of the USB ports. The Anker is tough, and even the panels have protection from light falls. This is the perfect addition to the power needs of anyone that wants to ensure they have a way to contact the outside world when camping out.
- Starting 15 W – Continuous 15 W
- Fuel Type: None.
- Capacity: The Sun.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: It is dependent on the sun.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 0.8 lb.
- Warranty: 1.5 years.
Pros
- A powerful solar panel and it may have enough power to run a smart device and charge it.
- Soft and strong fabric cover.
- Portable, Lightweight, Compact
- USB conversion box to charge two items.
Cons
- It will not work at night.
- No back-up power supply.
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6. A Panergy Solar Charger – 26800mAh
A Panergy solar panel station is limited by the daylight it can receive. And this station from Panergy has the best of both worlds, a powerful battery, and a large solar panel.
The panel folds out to 4 panels that will generate 1.2 amps at peak power, 4 times more efficient than most other panels.
The battery is a massive 26.8 Ah lithium-ion pack, which has enough power to charge a smartphone 4 to 5-times over from one of two USB sockets. The USB-C socket acts as both a charger for compatible devices and a way to charge the pack.
There is also a bank of 60 LEDs, which produces a smooth and consistent light to draw the mosquitoes away from your campsite. And on the front of the box, two LEDs function as a strong spotlight. And four small LEDs on the back show the level of battery power.
Pros
- Fast charging
- Efficient solar panel, well integrated into the package.
- Lanyard to attach to the outside of a backpack.
- Powerful lamp.
- 8 Hours from a full charge
Cons
- IPX1 water-resistant means it will only cope with light splashes.
- Lack of silicone surrounding to protect the box.
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5. Addtop Solar Charger – 25000mAh
And unfolded, the solar panels will produce up to 1-amp, which passes on to the 25 Ah lithium-ion battery.
There is a clip to hold the solar panel down, protected by a soft material. Rated to IP65, the case is dustproof and resistant to heavy downpours if you are unlucky enough to be in one. The battery will also charge directly through the USB-C port.
The two USB ports at the base have hinged rubber covers for protection and to keep them clean and dry. And on the opposite side from the solar panel is a strong 9-LED spotlight, which can be used for strobing and S.O.S.
- Starting 15 W – Continuous 15 W
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery + solar power.
- Capacity: 25 Ah
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 30 hrs.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: silent
- Weight: 1.2 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year
Pros
- Efficient little package
- High level of waterproofing and dust-proofing
- Powerful solar panel.
- Affordable price
- Great customer reviews
Cons
- Could use one more USB socket.
- It does not come with a USB-C cable.
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4. Foxelli Solar Power Bank – 10000mAh
The panel will detach from the module, so you can save some space when exploring nearby.
The 10 Ah battery is slim, but it will charge two USB smart devices at the same time. The front of the battery pack has an LED array showing the charge left and whether the solar panels are active. The pack has two USB ports and one Micro-USB port.
The back of the box has a powerful LED spotlight, which also has SOS and Strobe functions for emergencies. This power pack has an IPX4 rating, so you would want to keep the Foxelli clean and dry where possible.
- Starting 15 W – Continuous 15 W.
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery + solar power.
- Capacity: 10 Ah.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 12 hrs.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 0.7 lb.
- Warranty: 0.33 years.
Pros
- Small and convenient to pack.
- Removable solar panels.
- Quick to charge.
Cons
- Low IP weather rating, though it will be fine in a backpack.
- No Lanyard attachment.
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3. RavPower – 24W Solar Charger
This solar charger has 4 solar panels, which will produce up to 24 watts of power.
The power from the panels passes through one of three iSmart USB sockets to supply clean and smooth power to your sensitive electronics. Each USB connector can supply 2.4 amps limited to 4.8 amps when all sockets are in use.
There are several hook points of the panel, so you can attach it to the outside of a backpack and charge devices while walking. And when you are finished with it, the panel will fold and secure with a Velcro strip.
- Starting 24 W – Continuous 24 W
- Fuel Type: Solar power.
- Capacity: The Sun.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: limited by the Sun.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: silent.
- Weight: 1.65 lb.
- Warranty: 1.5 years
Pros
- Powerful solar panel.
- Fast charging even in low light
- iSmart power smoothing technology.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Great price and reviews
Cons
- No battery backup.
- The back fabric will heat up in the sun.
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2. Errbbic Solar Charger – 20000mAh
Errbbic’s charging station has a small 2-watt solar panel on the front, which will help to keep it topped up when attached to the outside of a pack. There is also an LED battery indicator above the panel.
The solar panel will produce a peak output of 1.5 watts, so the battery will need help from a stronger source. Below the panel are two USB ports, with a hinged dust and water cover.
The silicone coating protects the case of this solar power bank, which has an IPX4 rating.
The total battery capacity is 20 amps, and it will take 10 hours to charge at the fastest charging rate through a 1-amp Micro-USB socket. An to add some light, there are two powerful LED spotlights at the base of the unit, which also acts as an S.O.S.
- Starting 5 W – Continuous 5 W
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery + solar power.
- Capacity: 20 Ah.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 30 hrs.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 0.77 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year.
Pros
- Solar panel, to help top-up the battery.
- Lanyard to clip onto a belt or backpack.
- Built-in spotlight, which can be used as a reading light.
Cons
- Large size compared to some other models.
- The built-in compass is unnecessary.
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1. Firman P01001 1300/1050 Watt
The firman P01001 is one of the most rugged solar power banks you can find. Protected with a strong case and shockproof rubber surround. This IP67 rated pack is impervious to dust and can submerge, without damage, in water up to 1-meter deep.
There is a large lanyard point to attach the power-pack to the top of your bag. A 10 Ah lithium-ion battery supplies smooth and accessible power.
While a small solar panel helps to keep the battery at its peak while you are walking.
Charging of a mobile device can be done through either the USB or Micro-USB sockets — both have rubber protective caps that are hinged to the case. This charger has a strong LED spotlight, which will also function as a strobe or S.O.S. emergency signal.
- Starting 10 W – Continuous 10 W.
- Fuel Type: Lithium-ion battery + solar power.
- Capacity: 10 Ah.
- Tank Run-Time @ 25% Load: 12 hrs.
- Noise Level @ 25% Load: Silent.
- Weight: 0.46 lb.
- Warranty: 1-year.
Pros
- High level of protection from the rain, IP67.
- Soft silicone surround, making it easy to grip and adds to the protection.
- Strong spotlight.
Cons
- One USB and one Micro-USB socket.
- Small battery compared to other models
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Top 10 Mobile Power Banks
As technology continues to improve and we rely on it more and more, a demand has arisen for more power for our devices, greater power accessibility.
The average phone can last a few to several hours without requiring a charge. After that, it will need a charge in order to continue to work.
Well, sometimes this isn’t possible. Whether you are out adventuring in nature, strolling the city, or simply too busy to sit still for the time necessary to charge at an outlet, the mobile power bank is there.
This is a new-gen, state-of-the-art charging device that you can charge up, and take with you for your work (such as photography) or on the trail. This will save you the trouble of having to return early for a recharge at home.
What Are Mobile Power Banks?
Mobile power banks are power banks that are exceptionally small. They are designed in a compact fashion so that they can easily be brought along on a long trip, outdoor adventure, or the like. Mobile power banks specialize in charging smaller devices, such a tablets, or cells.
They function through the use of a rechargeable lithium battery. You can recharge them at home with an outlet, or outdoors if your bank has the solar capability.
How Do Mobile Power Banks Work?
Some power banks are electric and rely on a wall outlet or USB plug-in. Others have solar charging capability. The best type for you depends on when a wall outlet is available, how often you are out during the day, and so on.
So, how do electric and solar mobile power banks work, anyway?
Electric Mobile Power Banks
Electric mobile power banks call for a wall outlet or plug-in. However, after their initial charge, they can from there charge your cell one to 4 times, depending on the power capacity.
This means that you can take them with you on the trail, or simply out and about for a busy day. To charge, just plug in your mobile power bank
Solar Mobile Power Banks
Solar mobile power banks are some of the most useful available. This is because they allow you to charge your device even while out and about or on the trail.
Not only that, but you can still use the device while it is charging from your solar mobile power bank. All you need is some sunshine.
Solar mobile power banks take longer to recharge than your average electric power bank. The trade-off is that they also tend to store more power or offer more cell phone charges per recharge of your power bank.
How Long Do Mobile Power Banks Take to Recharge?
Mobile power banks can vary widely in terms of size, power, and function. A combination of these things will determine how long it will take to recharge your power bank.
The most significant are the size, the mAh, and the charging source (outlet, solar, etc.). You can discover the best power bank for you by balancing these aspects according to what you require.
The Size of Your Mobile Power Bank
One of the biggest factors when it comes to recharging time is the size of a mobile power bank. The larger the power bank, the greater the power output, and the more time that will be needed for it to recharge fully.
Your average, electric power bank takes about 1-2 hours to recharge. A solar power bank can take up to 25-30 hours. However, solar banks are able to charge your device more times total in a row.
So, if you would like to be able to recharge your power bank quickly, you will want to go for a smaller one. Look for the smallest one possible that still meets your required mAh.
The MaH of Your Mobile Power Bank
The capacity of a mobile power bank is measured by mAh, which stands for milliamps per hour. The higher the mAh, the longer the charge will last, and the higher mAh devices that can be charged by your power bank.
The trade-off is that the higher its mAh, the longer it will take to recharge your power bank.
For example, a smallish mobile power bank with a capacity of 1500mAh will take roughly the same time to charge as your average cell.
A general mAh guide is that you will need about 2000mAh to charge your cell one time. 5200mAh will get you a couple of charges per recharge of your bank.10000 mAh will give you four recharges of your cell.
Most tablets require at least 10000 as well, to charge fully. Laptops require even more mAh.
Charging Source
Wall Socket
For most mobile power banks, a wall socket is the fastest and most reliable charging source. Wall sockets draw straight from the city, so this makes sense. From a wall socket, most mobile power banks will charge in 1-2 hours, roughly
USB Port On PC
Compared to a wall socket, a USB port will charge your mobile power bank a bit more slowly. They can take a few hours or more. This is because the bank will be drawing directly from your PC or laptop battery.
Solar
Solar mobile power banks tend to take the longest time to charge of all. First off, they depend on days that are sunny. So you will need to wait for this. Once the sun is out,
you can start your solar mobile power bank charging up. This can take up to several hours. However, solar power banks also offer more phone charges per recharge of the bank.
What Can You Charge With Your Mobile Power Bank?
● Connector. What you can charge with your power bank depends first upon the connector. Most mobile power banks use a micro or mini USB. Some have type A USB. These will in part determine what you can charge with your power bank.
● Range. Mobile power banks can charge music players and tablets, mainly. There are some more powerful ones that can charge laptops as well.
● mAh. You can tell what your power bank is capable of charging based on its mAh. Laptops and larger devices have a higher mAh compared to your laptop or cell.
For example, to charge your laptop, you will generally need a power bank of no less than 10000 mAh. To charge your cell just once, 2000 mAh would suffice. The ideal mAh depends upon the individual.
How Long Can You Run Your Mobile Phone From A Power Bank
How Old Is Your Power Bank? A bit about their lifetime, how much use you can expect, etc. The age of your mobile power bank will begin to affect its function as it nears the end of its lifespan.
For example, the bank may not charge your devices as quickly, or hold its own charge as well. Newer to middle-aged mobile power banks are more reliable.
What is the mAh vs the mAh of your device
mAh comes into play again here. A high mAh power bank will charge your cell faster than a smaller one would charge the same cell. The tradeoff is that the power banks themselves also take longer to recharge the more powerful they are.
Along with this, never leave your cell phone or tablet charging unattended for long at your power bank. This can cause overheating of your device and the bank.
How Long Will A Power Bank Retain Its Charge When Not In Use?
This depends on the quality of a given power bank. The highest quality power banks can hold their charge for 3-6 months, whereas lower quality power banks can sometimes last only a few weeks.
Should you intend to store your power bank for more than a few months before use, you will likely need to recharge the device. Make sure to do this before you head off to the airport, hit the trail, or the like.
Also wise is to give your devices a charge before you go, to make sure the power bank is working properly.
How You Can Use Your Mobile Power Bank
Hiking & Walking
In the great outdoors, you will not have easy access to energy like you do at home. If you are out there a while, your phone or tablet may run out of charge.
You can charge your cell or tablet in nature with a solar mobile power bank. Just be sure to charge to power bank beforehand, so it is ready. Some solar power banks can take a few hours to recharge themselves first, so be sure to prepare.
Many solar power banks will even allow you to continue using your device as it charges, on the go. That is true convenience and luxury
Photography
Photography is a time-consuming hobby. A shoot can take from morning until evening, which may push your cell charge to the limit.
A mobile power bank is a perfect way to top off your tablet or cell, without having to return home. You can stroll the city, take photos of flora and fauna in the mountains, travel to a rural, scenic location… and your mobile power bank will have your back.
Overnight Camping
Some power banks can charge your phone a few times in a row. This is perfect for overnight camping or a couple of nights camping under the stars.
You can use your cell camera, access service if it is available, recharge the device, and repeat, until you have used up your power bank
Backup Day-To-Day
Mobile power banks aren’t just good for a lengthy adventure. Maybe you are simply busy, and out and about a lot, without a lot of opportunities to charge.
A mobile power bank will allow you to carry that power around with you, for a freshly charged device, convenient and quick.
Conclusion: Best Solar Charging Power Bank
You can probably see how mobile power banks have become so popular. In the past, when devices died, we had to simply accept that they were unable to be used until we got back to a wall outlet and home.
With modern innovations, your cell or tablet can last as long as you need it to; a day or more.
This will give you ample time to explore a new city, do some errands, do a photography shoot, hike, camp overnight… wherever your plans take you, your mobile power bank can follow. Access your music, updates, cell camera, and the like, anywhere.
